Occupational Licensing for

Pet Trainers and Behavior Consultants.

How To Implement Accountability That Considers Consumer Transparency and Protection for Pets & Their People.

In 2019, we published a book titled Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets, and Their People. This work is an updated version of the first edition, which was authored by Niki Tudge, Debra Millikan, Louise Stapleton-Frappell, and Susan Nilson. Susan Nilson contributed to the original Canine Communication and Social Behavior text, which Niki Tudge donated from her book A Kid's Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog.

This new updated version was contributed to by Niki Tudge, Debra Millikan, and Louise Stapleton-Frappell.

Differing levels of professionals populate the pet training industry. First, some individuals lack credentials, formal education, knowledge, and skills and certainly lack an ethical compass and empathy toward pets.

Second, don’t be fooled; thousands of “educated” practitioners seek fast results driven by financial or egotistical goals that show no empathy or interest in the pets' welfare or well-being. They aim to get the job done. Combined with those who have remained disinterested in attaining an education or any certification in pet training, these practitioners are working nationwide with full responsibility for the well-being and welfare of their unknowing clients’ precious pets.

Third, there is a set of professionals who have ensured they are educated both in skills and knowledge and have committed to an independent credential. This shows that their skills and knowledge meet the barometer of experts and the level needed to practice in the industry.

This book emphasizes the lack of consumer protection and transparency in many pet services-related businesses' marketing and operations platforms.

We also address the inherent challenges of legally classifying pets and the lack of reported and enforced animal cruelty laws. These issues mean there is insufficient protection for pets and their owners when holding professionals accountable for their methodology, approach, and philosophy.  

The book is a comprehensive exploration of several topics that, when combined, establish the conditions for ensuring ethical and honest practices across the pet industry. It also delves into examples of fraudulent marketing and illegal practices from pet industry players, comparing these to other industries where legal action has been sought and won. This comparison prevents statements and unfounded guarantees that deceive pet owners and set up dangerous procedures for the four-legged clients.